NAJA Job Board

The Science and Research Writer serves as a part of the News unit within the award-winning West Virginia University Division of University Relations. The successful candidate will be the lead communicator to both internal and external audiences about research being conducted across the WVU system. This position is responsible for developing and implementing communications strategies to position the University as a research and technology leader and advancing the University’s image for its work in these areas. The Science and Research Writer will work with the VP for University Relations, the Provost’s Office, the VP for Research, the Research Council, deans, and in collaboration with key communicators across the University, especially in research-intensive colleges as well as the Health Sciences Center. West Virginia University (wvu.edu) is classified as a Doctoral/Research University-Extensive and is the state’s only comprehensive doctoral-granting, land-grant institution. WVU has a current enrollment of approximately 29,000 students on the Morgantown campus.
WVU is located about 70 miles south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in Morgantown, West Virginia which has received a number of national rankings, including: 5th “Best Small Metro” by Forbes; 12th overall “Hottest Small City” by Inc.; one of “50 Smartest Places to Live” by Kiplinger’s; one of the “Best Cities for Jobs” by MSN Careers; one of the 50 best places to launch a small business by CNNMoney.com. Tech Republic has ranked WVU 10th on a list of communities experimenting with white space broadband in innovative ways.

Required Knowledge:

Required Experience:

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred. The incumbent must have five years of experience in a news, communication or public relations program for a college, news media organization, government agency or other large, knowledge-based organization during which their responsibilities included technology, science or research communication, and working directly with scientists and researchers to articulate their work to a public audience as well as writing about and editing scientific and/or research topics. This position requires a valid driver’s license.

Special Requirement:

Pay:

Application Process:

To learn more about this position, visit jobs.wvu.edu. Click on "FE/AP" link and then click on “Science and Research Writer - University Communications Specialist Senior #6.” Go to the bottom of the ad and click apply now to complete the registration form. To be considered, applicants must also submit up to three published writing samples. First consideration will be given to applications received by April 10, 2014.
WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. Underrepresented class members are encouraged to apply. This includes: minorities, females, individuals with disabilities and veterans.